Festival Icon to City Landmark: La Quinta's Roadrunner Sculpture

Photo from Atlas Obscura User @findingbalance_18.

Downtown La Quinta is home to a captivating piece of public art that has its roots in one of the world's most famous music festivals. The 12-foot tall, 18-foot long metal roadrunner sculpture, once an interactive installation at the Coachella Music Festival now stands as a symbol of the dynamic partnership between the city and the event. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating journey of the roadrunner sculpture, from its creation as a festival art piece to its transformation into an iconic La Quinta landmark.

The Roadrunner's Coachella Beginnings

The roadrunner sculpture was conceived by Don Kennell, a gifted artist based in New Mexico. Kennell's captivating creation made its debut as an art installation at the 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The sculpture featured a porch swing that hung from the roadrunner's oversized beak, inviting festival-goers to rock and roll in a fun and interactive way.

The City of La Quinta's Acquisition

In 2015, Goldenvoice, the concert promoter behind the Coachella Music Festival, approached the City of La Quinta with an offer to loan one of the festival's art pieces for a four-year period. La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans, who had seen the roadrunner sculpture during her visit to the festival, was instantly drawn to the idea. With her support, the city agreed to the loan, and the giant metal bird found a new home in La Quinta, still here almost a decade later.

A Symbol of Partnership

The roadrunner sculpture was installed at the center of a roundabout in downtown La Quinta. The porch swing was removed for safety reasons, but the sculpture remained a striking focal point. The roadrunner now stands as a symbol of the partnership between the City of La Quinta and the Coachella Music Festival, which has provided a significant financial boost to the region over the years.

Visiting the Roadrunner Sculpture

Visitors and residents alike can admire the impressive roadrunner sculpture, which serves as a reminder of the strong ties between the city and the Coachella Music Festival. Located in the middle of the traffic rotary at the intersection of 52nd Avenue and Jefferson Street, the sculpture continues to captivate and inspire those who visit La Quinta.

The roadrunner sculpture's journey from an interactive installation at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival to a beloved La Quinta landmark showcases the powerful relationship between the city and the festival. As a symbol of partnership and creativity, this unique piece of public art highlights the significance of artistic expression and the importance of community connections in shaping the identity of La Quinta.